People are criticising celebs for getting coronavirus tests despite having no symptoms
18 March 2020, 15:00
Celebrities appear to be getting coronavirus tests with ease while normal people with serious symptoms are being ignored.
Celebrities without coronavirus symptoms are being slammed for getting COVID-19 tests when they don't really need them.
Coronavirus was recently declared a global health emergency with over 200,000 cases confirmed worldwide so far. The NHS states that COVID-19 is a "new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus". The virus is particularly dangerous to those over the age of 70 and people are being advised to self-isolate to stop it spreading.
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If you have symptoms, it's recommended that you stay at home and self-isolate for seven days, unless you physically cannot cope, in which case, it's recommended that you contact the NHS or your local hospital. Since the outbreak, celebrities with mild symptoms, or none at all, have been tested for the illness and people are calling them out, as others in need are unable to get them.
Over the past couple of weeks, celebrities including Tom Hanks and Idris Elba have confirmed that they tested positive for coronavirus and are being kept in isolation. Tom had mild symptoms, while Idris said he had 'no symptoms so far'. Meanwhile, Kris Jenner reportedly got tested for the illness after attending a party where a person was infected. The results reportedly came back negative.
At the same time, there have been multiple reports that hospitalised people with severe coronavirus symptoms are currently unable to get tested due to the unprecedented amount of people suffering from the illness. Given how serious COVID-19 is, people are calling out celebrities for wasting time and resources when other people are in desperate need of tests.
One person tweeted: "COVID-19 tests for people without symptoms need to be reserved for people w/ ESSENTIAL jobs... NOT KRIS JENNER". Another added: "Hang on a fucking minute. How can Idris Elba get a test when he's showing no symptoms but we have to be hospitalised to get a test? What the fucks that all about?"
COVID-19 tests for people without symptoms need to be reserved for people w/ ESSENTIAL jobs ....healthcare workers, people distributing goods, people stocking stores NOT KRIS JENNER
— kaylee (@kayleevz) March 17, 2020
Hang on a fucking minute. How can Idris Elba get a test when he's showing no symptoms but we have to be hospitalised to get a test? What the fucks that all about? https://t.co/j6QVtH8R4R
— Big D-iseased Hermit (@DrewUpOn8) March 16, 2020
Are a celebrities getting infected with COVID19 at disproportionate rates or are the rich/wealthy the only people with access to testing?
— OK (@ok_beloved) March 16, 2020
Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson have tested positive for COVID.
— saira rao (@sairasameerarao) March 12, 2020
Getting tested is rich white privilege.
Getting medical care is rich white privilege.
Getting global press is rich white privilege.
Most folks aren’t afforded the privilege of the test.
I wish them a speedy recovery.
This is outrageous.
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) March 18, 2020
The super-rich buy COVID-19 tests from private clinics, while frontline NHS staff are denied them.
Public health must come before private profit. https://t.co/m1Jj0zE1Mv
One rule for the rich and another for everyone else. This Harley Street clinic charging £375 for #COVID19 tests should give them out to NHS workers instead. https://t.co/JnPEJMv714
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) March 18, 2020
It seems that celebrities are not just to blame though because private clinics are selling COVID-19 tests for profit and letting those in need go without them.
Still, if you're only showing mild coronavirus symptoms and you aren't over the age of 70 or pregnant, it's advised that you self-isolate so that doctors can help those who are severely affected by it.
